Shipboard Noise Control
History of Firm
BKL has been actively involved in shipboard noise control since 1971. A major research project was undertaken at that time for Transport Canada on the control of noise aboard towboats. Since then, BKL has consulted to ship designers, builders and operators on a wide variety of vessels in both Canada and the United States. To date, the firm has consulted on approximately (150) vessels including yachts, workboats, ferries, research vessels, icebreakers, submarines, fisheries, coast guard and naval vessels such as the ORCA Naval Training Vessels.
From its offices in Vancouver, British Columbia, the firm has served marine clients from the Pacific to the Atlantic and from the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico.
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Shipboard Noise Control
The importance of controlling noise aboard ships has become widely recognized and quantitative noise level limits are now commonplace in specifications for new vessels and vessel refits. The benefits of noise control range from crew safety and increased work efficiency on workboats to passenger comfort on ferries and yachts. In many cases, noise level objectives are determined by governmental regulations or guidelines. In other cases, the objective is simply to achieve the lowest noise levels which are determined to be technically and economically feasible. In all cases, it is most important that noise control be considered at the earliest stage possible in the design. As design and construction progress, noise control options become more and more limited and the costs of implementing them will inevitably be higher.[hr]
Design Services
Services carried out for naval architects during the design of a new vessel will vary somewhat depending upon whether noise control measures are to be specified in detail or in a less detailed performance specification. Typically, services include:
- Advice on general arrangement and proposed machinery.
- Prediction of shipboard noise levels assuming various levels of noise control (e.g. minimal treatment versus isolated engines versus floating floors).
- Advice regarding quantitative noise level criteria.
- Determination of acoustical requirements for engine exhaust systems taking into account space and weight constraints.
- Preparation of a comprehensive noise control specification defining acoustical requirements for vibration isolation of machinery, hydraulic systems, acoustical insulation, joiner partitions, linings, ceilings, floating floors, interior and exterior ventilation silencing, exhaust silencing, etc.
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Construction Services
Services carried out for shipyards during construction or major refit of a vessel typically include:
- A design check which includes a prediction of shipboard noise levels assuming noise control treatments as specified and identification of any inadequate or unnecessary treatments relative to any specified noise level limits.
- Review and assessment of alternative noise control products and advice on wording of purchase orders for acoustically critical items.
- Recommendations on detail design and installation requirements of specified noise control measures.
- Review of heating and ventilation system design and recommendations on silencing requirements.
- Ongoing advice on installation of noise control items.
- Measurement of noise and/or vibration levels during sea trials.
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Typical projects are summarized here.